Clark releases Plan for people with disabilities.

[RandomUser]

Clark just released his plan for people with disabilities. He chose to release it on the International Day of Disabled Persons.

Statement: http://clark04.com/press/release/102/

Plan: http://clark04.com/issues/disabilities/

[Hawkeye-X]

1. I just took a look at the plan

I think it's very ideal plan. I'm disabled myself, and I support all disablity functions, including ADA, IDEA, and removing penalties for hiring disabilities.

At least Clark deserves another kudos for coming up with a sensible plan.

I still support Dean/Clark ticket if Clark decides to go to the VP path.

Hawkeye-X

[xultar]

2. Thanks for actually reading the plan...and for being fair...

Just a question from your POV...What about the plan needs some work? What is it lacking?

[Hawkeye-X]

4. Enabling more things for the deaf community

there are roughly about 30 million Americans with a degree of hearing loss... Things like mandatory captioning for all functions.. It's frustrating enough not to see captioning on a sporting events on TV -- like baseball, hockey and occasional college football. It's like the media doesn't have enough money to focus on the real-time captioning and it also creates potential jobs not just for the disabled, but also for the non-disabled ones too. Open captioned movies ought to be fully-funded too. Tripod has done an outstanding job with limited funding but I believe it should be fair that new movies ought to be captioned by option if (and there is) technology can be provided to see movies in the theatres...

Hawkeye-X

[slinkerwink]

8. that's definitely what we need

I'm hearing-impaired with a cochlear implant, and it is frustrating not to have open-captioned movies in my town. (That's why I watch a lot of foreign movies in the small movie theater in my town).

[bicentennial_baby]

10. Pleasant St?

If so, great theater!

[HFishbine]

9. Hey Hawk

There's a bar I go to that hase captioning turned on on its TVs so we can play the jukebox, and all the sporting events have captioning. Could that be some kind of add on to the cable service they pay for or something? Becuase it's definitely available.

[Hawkeye-X]

17. At home I have satellite with EVERYTHING

including the sports.. Faux Sports Network is DEFIENTELY not captioned.

NFL games are captioned. Hockey games (nationally broadcast) are captioned. Local broadcasts aren't.

[Bread and Circus]

5. Thanks Hawkeye -- may the best person win the nomination

And may we all settle our differences when the dust settles.

[Diego360]

3. Great news!

Thanks for that, friend. Gen. Clark's plan is both forceful and forward looking. With so many young people coming back from Iraq with permanent and severe disabilities, not to mention the aging Boomer population, the ADA is indeed "the most important civil rights legislation of the last decade." Thank you, Gen. Clark for recognizing the need to advance the rights of ALL Americans!

[newyawker99]

31. Hi dygger!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[RandomUser]

6. I had a particular DU'er in mind when I posted this

I remember someone on DU asking some time ago about Clark's position on Disabled Persons. That person had a poignant story about his disability and how he felt both parties have left him by the wayside, waiting for him to die. He asked what Clark would do for those like him, and why he shouldn't be afraid that he'll be abandoned again just like by all the other administrations.

I remember mentioning Clark's own brush with disablity after Vietnam (losing a quarter of his leg muscle and learning to walk all over again, still missing part of his thumb to this day), the fact that many veterans are disabled, and that Clark has spoken up for the ADA during his early townhall meeting with Harkin in IA. I said I felt that Clark was a man of integrity and would not abandon him the way he has seen himself abandoned by both Republicans and Democrats.

It was not enough for this DU'er, he was still convinced he would be abandoned again -- he trusted only Kucinich and none of the other candidates (and I believe Kucinich has rightly earned that trust). It was literally a matter of life and death to him, since he was only a step away from dying if services were cut. To my chagrin, Clark did not have a policy paper for Disabled Americans up at his site yet (this was early in the campaign when his site's issues section was still being -- and still is -- being constructed).

But his comments stuck with me. The fact that I could not sufficiently answer his fears, that Clark had no clearly stated official policy on his site, that this DU'er humbly asked us Clark supporters to lobby Clark's campaign, to make sure that he will not be abandoned to die stuck with me.

When I saw Clark's just released Disability plan, I thought of him.

I don't know if he'll see this, but I'm putting this here in hopes he will see it. I wanted him to know that this Clark supporter has not forgotten him.

[Bread and Circus]

7. kick

:kick:

[Kanary]

11. Good news

I'm glad to see that Clark has put some thought in this, and has formulated some positions. AFter a quick reading, I can see that he intends to help a lot of people with various problems (not a good way to put it, but my mind is going balnk). I'm glad to see he is addressing children, and Medicaid, and the @(%*@_)#$!! Medicare bill.

However, from what I see, the bulk of his proposals are directed towards the right to work. While that is indeed important, there are many who can never be able to work again. The realization that many of us have faced when we can no longer work is terrible enough...... then, there is dealing with the hateful attitude by the public. But, to not have that very real issue addressed in his position is worrysome.

What happens to the rest of us?

Kanary

[RandomUser]

12. home and community based care

Although you're right that a large portion of the plan focuses on equality and the rights of those who can work. The home and community based care sections seem to refer to those who can't work -- hence the specific references to personal home attendants.

[Kanary]

13. That's just it... H-O-M-E

Not all, by any means(!), of those who can't work require home treatment, although it's certainly desparately important for those who have the need!

What is left out is the issue of just having a home. I realize that I'm making this very personal, but when it's your own survival that is in doubt, it becomes a priority in one's thoughts. And, there are many more in my position.

Unless he intends to do something about securing the homes available, or raises the disability rates to be able to include market-based rent, many on disability will be out on the street. I feel like saying "how do you send a home aide to a rotating location under a bridge", but I'm biting my tongue.

OK, deep breath....

There are many needs of people on disability. He is addressing some of them, and I applaud that. But, unless he addresses it all, there will still be many (silent) deaths. I know that people have become inured to death, but as I keep saying, when it's your own, it matters.

Kanary

[RandomUser]

14. I see your point

I suspect that this is only part of the solution. In those drastic cases, other factors like public assistance programs will surely kick in, won't they? And I understand your frustration with the current society. It is something we need to fix in our system. No need to apologize. We should ALL be outraged at the way the current system fails us.

Ultimately, the solution to fixing our country stems not from one comprehensive plan, but from the synergy of a host of plans addressing every element in society.

[Kanary]

15. I'm really trying to remain calm.

I realize that people honestly don't know how dire the situation is.

"In those drastic cases, other factors like public assistance programs will surely kick in, won't they?"

How do I say this.....

What public assistance programs would that be???

1. People on disability don't have money to pay market rent. i.e., they/we are dependent on public housing.

2. Waiting lists for public housing typically mean 2 or 3 years.

3. Next year, about 130,000 housing vouchers will be discontinued. Where do those people go??

4. "Public assistance programs" that give out money are not only rare, but don't cover the cost of rent.

5. Back where we started.


Again, I realize that most people BELIEVE that there is such a thing as a "safety net". I'm trying to tell you that that is an illusion. The overused phrase, " the shredding of the safety net" is not only accurate, it's very REAL.

I really am discouraged having to paint this all out for a group of people who can talk so in depth about so many issues, but don't seem to understand what is happening to poor people in this country. I know there have been a number of articles written just about the HUD crisis..... is anybody reading that, or just stuff on their candidates and on BBV?

I'm sorry to be so upset, but I'm also getting tired of apologizing. I should have to be explaining this stuff to the people here, of all places. It really is depressing.

Kanary

[camero]

16. That's what I was kind of wondering.

I think it's a good thing he has a plan, but another issue that I did not see was is he going to do something about the delays and red tape in the SSDI program.

I've heard of people waiting 3-5 years or more to get SSDI. It's like they are just waiting for you to die so they don't have to spend the money.

[Kanary]

18. I knew I forgot something!

Thanks, camero... another important factor.

I guess it's something else most people don't realize.

When your dr says you can no longer work, besides the emotional devastation of that, I honestly don't know how most people get past that hurdle. All applications are routinely turned down on the first try, and that takes months just to get to that point. If you work at any point during that time, you have invalidated your claim.

I guess you have to be an air plant in order to make it through.

Hmmm, there ya go...

"Air Plants Of The World, Arise!"

Kanary

[camero]

30. You're welcome

I waited a year and didn't even get past the first try. I am thinking of trying again because I am having a big problem with hypoglycemia because I am on insulin and the doc says I shouldn't drive for a living anymore. This time with a lawyer.

[Ilsa]

19. I've been told by our school system that the waiting list

for group housing for children with disabilities who reach adulthood is 12 years. TWELVE YEARS! They want to place our six year old's name on a waiting list!

[Kanary]

21. Sorry you're affected by this, Ilsa

I can completely believe what you are saying, and it is soooo insane! Can you imagine the people in other countries settling for something this absurd?

Thanks for posting and adding another piece to this picture.

Kanary

[Jerseycoa]

25. Not on disability

But I have some health problems and live on a small retirement pension. It's horribly difficult. My rent just went up $100, although it was the first raise in six years. Still, I can't afford to move with the rent market what it is. I am very concerned and glad you raised the housing issue. Thanks.

[Kanary]

26. Sounds like you're in the Housing Catch-22, also

I live on $550 a month. Does that clarify the picture?

I also live in a building with seniors and other disabled people, and the assistant manager is abusive. I even caught him physically abusing an elderly woman. (Before people rush to give advice...... many tenants have done everything we can think of to get rid of the jerk. There are no protections. We're saddled with the jerk.) We'd all like to move, to a less stressful and more healthy place. HAH!

Yes, I well know what it's like to be trapped.

Many thousands of people do. Yet, the bulk of the population believes that we're getting something for nothing, and living the easy life. I'll trade places with them anyday!

Kanary

[Jerseycoa]

27. I live on not much more

The only thing is I have health insurance that came along from my old job. I have to pay $100 a month for that. I am so hoping this country can be turned around and life can be decent for people. Did you see that thread yesterday about how they want to take FDR off the dime and replace him with Reagan? FDR is on there because he started the first March of Dimes, someone said. I've been thinking about it since yesterday. How completely wrong, but at once representative of what is going on, you know?

[Kanary]

29. Yes, you're in a pinch, too

Sounds like you're dealing with much the same thing... trying to balance having a healthy diet to protect what health you have left, supplimenting with whatever vitamins, etc your body needs, trying to keep a healthy home, and somehow find enough beauty in life to be emotionally healthy, and doing it all without $$ All the while being bombarded by garbage from "health professionals" who treat you with resentment because they think you're "getting away with something" (I've had several who make the assumption that I must be alcoholic or a druggie because I'm on assistance), dealing with ugliness from public housing and too many more things to catalog.

Then my dr says "Avoid stress".

Do you get the humor?

Kanary

[Jerseycoa]

39. The FDR Dime

There's a thread on this today.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=829975

[Jerseycoa]

22. Yes

You are absolutely right. Excellent point.

On edit: I sent an email to the campaign asking them to think about what can be done. I hope so.

[Kanary]

28. Yes, everyone send letters, please!

"I sent an email to the campaign asking them to think about what can be done. I hope so."

Great idea, and if all the Clark supporters would do that, maybe he would hear it and take action...? If only *half* of the people who protested the war would protest this issue, I do believe that something would change.

But... it looks like you and I are the only ones left "talking".... guess it's not as exciting as BBVs and Rush and .......etc.

Thanks for your letter writing, and I will follow suit.

I really do hope that we can have a bit of life worth living while we're still able to appreciate it.

Kanary

[Jerseycoa]

41. New Clark Policy FAQ

There is something new today. A Clark FAQ blog for Clark supporters to question policy issues or anything else about the campaign. I'm going to go over there and pump the concerns expressed on this thread. Can't hurt. It's just getting started and is pretty loose, but the format will shape up over time.

http://campaign.forclark.com/story/2003/12/4/202411/091

I'm going to shamelessly lift the points mentioned throughout this thread. I guess it's okay. I won't mention names.

[Bread and Circus]

20. Clark also puts his accountability on the line...

http://www.clark04.com/story/38/

[Kanary]

23. With all due respect, familydoctor

and with sincere apologies...

The article you are referencing is about war and force.

What we are talking about here is a much different issue.... disability, and the coming deaths of people with no resources.

I appreciate your desire to talk more about war issues, but there have been so many threads about that, and hardly anything about this issue. Could you please talk with us here about the issue of disability, and please leave the war issue for another thread?

I would appreciate that very much.

Thank you.

Kanary

[Jerseycoa]

24. Ooopsy (eom)

[Jerseycoa]

32. kick

:kick:

[Jerseycoa]

33. First time I kicked

I hope it means moving it up on the list. B-)

[Kanary]

34. Yes, a "kick" moves it back up

Sadly, Jerseycoa, this is what I have experienced here before. This is just not a topic that people have any interest in discussing. This is not "sexy", and doesn't bring out any desire to take on an issue, and take action. It's been very depressing to me, because I realize that it means this is truly hopeless. Without concern from others, we just aren't going anywhere.

So, we're left here with you and I, talking to each other, and I doubt that anyone even opens it.

So, we might as well take it off-forum.

I'm just feeling very defeated.

Kanary

[camero]

35. and another kick

punt

[Jerseycoa]

36. No

Let's think on it overnight and come up with something.

Kanary, this is at the Clark Community Network:

http://disabled.forclark.com/

You don't have to be a Clark supporter to sign up and you don't even have to sign up. But if you do sign up, you get your own blog. Maybe you can do something with it over there since you know what the critical issues are already. Just a suggestion.

[RandomUser]

38. I think Kanary's voice would be welcome

I think Kanary's voice would be very welcome on the CCN and the disabled.forclark.com section in particular.

I've been scrounging and can't find the reference, but I remember reading that Clark stayed behind in one of the debates (I think it was rock the vote or planned parenthood) in order to pick up a position paper written by a person with a disability who happened to be a lawyer. Clark wanted to hear see what that person had to say before he made up his official policy. So he had promised that grassroots supporter at a previous time that he would wait for the policy paper, and he waited after the debate till he picked it up.

If Kanary wants, I think the campaign, the blog team (who regularly read the blog articles and comments), the section head of the disabled.forclark.com section (who happens to be disabled too), and the CCN in general would be very interested in hearing his viewpoints.

He could influence policy the way that disabled grassroots supporter did. At the very least, he would spread his ideas and concerns to a wide audience (the Clark blog gets more traffic than any other candidate blog, including Dean's blog). And there's nothing to lose except possibly his time and a bit of effort at writing his concerns down, which he is most eloquent at doing.

And I agree that his concerns are very important and should be addressed.

Edited to add: I just want that there's no pressure, and you don't have to get involved with the CCN if you don't want, Kanary. But I think they would welcome your voice there.

[SadEagle]

37. Major kudos to Clark.

And a kick for the thread, since the stories of the posters here need to be seen by more people.

[Nashyra]

42. Thanks for the positive thread

this needs to be seen by more than just a few. Thanks for the link to the ccn. My dad is a veteran Clark supporter who is hearing impaired and this link will be important to their group. Senior/veterans, many have grandsons that they are worried about.

[HuckleB]

40. Very nice.

I'm with him all the way on this one!